Even as the United States Grand Prix is yet to take place, the Formula 1 community is already looking ahead to the Mexico Grand Prix. According to multiple sources in the paddock, it is already known that Max Verstappen will skip the first free practice during the next Grand Prix. Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad will then have an hour to drive the four-time world champion’s RB21.
Formula 1 teams are required to let a rookie drive in a free practice four times per season – twice per current driver. Reportedly, Red Bull has chosen to let Max Verstappen watch from the sidelines for an hour in Mexico. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad will indeed get the chance to drive the RB21 for an hour. The British-Swedish driver currently competes in Formula 2. Lindblad is even being linked to one of the two Racing Bulls seats for next season.
Multiple rookies behind the wheel
Lindblad is not the only rookie who will get the chance to prove himself in a Formula 1 car in Mexico City. Carlos Sainz will also miss VT1 to make way for F2 talent Luke Browning, and Lance Stroll will give up his Aston Martin for an hour to Jack Crawford. The 20-year-old American will thus make his Formula 1 debut during the Mexico Grand Prix.
